Dr. Louis J. Rivela

Dr. Louis J. Rivela, age 83, of Wayne for more than 50 years and recently of Wanaque, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Staten Island, Louis and his younger sister Sally are the two children of Salvatore and Madeline Rivela. When Louis was in his teens, his family moved to New Brunswick, NJ, where he attended and graduated from New Brunswick High School. There, he developed a passion for science, particularly chemistry, which led him to pursue a chemistry degree at Rutgers University. After graduating, Louis continued his education at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he earned his doctorate in Chemistry.

Louis then began a distinguished 39-year career teaching Chemistry at William Paterson College (later William Paterson University), later becoming Chairman of the Chemistry Department. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and NEACT.

While studying at Rutgers, Louis met Daria Nebeluk, a student at the Douglas Women's College. The two fell in love and married in 1964. They moved to Chapel Hill, where Daria attended Library School and they were blessed with their daughter Christina. During their time in Chapel Hill, the young family became devoted fans of the UNC Tar Heels Basketball team, a passion that would last a lifetime. After completing their degrees, the family settled in Wayne where they lived for the next fifty years.

Louis loved traveling throughout the United States and Canada, visiting National Parks along the way. An avid photographer, he captured the beauty of each park he explored, building an impressive collection of nature photographs. He and his family's favorite destination was Bar Harbor in Acadia National Park. He also developed a deep interest in Chinese culture studying Mandarin and embarking on a month-long trip to China with Daria where they explored the country’s rich history and learned authentic Chinese cooking. Louis became so proficient at Chinese cuisine that he could properly prepare Peking Duck, a notoriously difficult dish!

Beyond travel, Louis was a member of the Museum of Natural History and frequently attended operas, even meeting Luciano Pavarotti. His love of science, which defined his long career, extended naturally to science fiction. Most of all, he was devoted to Star Trek.

Louis will be remembered as a wonderful man with a warm, kind soul who was always willing to help others. Whether it was family, friends, or students struggling with chemistry problems or life's challenges, Louis made time for everyone who needed him. He was an inspiration who led by example, and his generosity and wisdom touched countless lives. He will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Louis is predeceased by his parents Salvatore Rivela and Madeline Rivela.

He is survived by his wife Daria Rivela; his daughter Christina Busseno and her husband Carl; his grandchildren: Brian, Kevin, and Steven Busseno; his sister Sally and her husband Bob Blaine; his Niece Ashley and her husband Tim Black; and his two great nieces.